Surgical clip

ABSTRACT

A surgical clip may include first and second leg members, each having inner surfaces. The inner surface of the first leg member may be concave and the inner surface of the second leg member may be convex. The surgical clip may include a first locking member positioned on a distal end portion of the first leg member, and a second locking member positioned on a distal end portion of the second leg member. The surgical clip may also include a third locking member position between a proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the first leg member, and a fourth locking member positioned between a proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the second leg member. The first and second locking members, and the third and fourth locking members may be configured to interact to secure the surgical clip in a closed configuration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/762,442, filed on May 7, 2020, which is a National Stage Entry ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/060946, filed on Nov.14, 2018, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/585,795, filed on Nov. 14, 2017, each titled “SURGICAL CLIP”, andthe disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and moreparticularly, to surgical clips for ligation of tissue.

BACKGROUND

The ligation of tissue (e.g., blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves,fallopian tubes, or cardiac tissue) is a common practice of manysurgical procedures. For example, the temporary ligation of bloodvessels (e.g., veins or arteries) is often required during the resectionof the blood vessels to remove an aneurysm. On the other hand, theligation of fallopian tubes is often desired to be more permanent.Ligation clips are relatively quick and easy to apply, so they havegrown in popularity.

OVERVIEW

The present inventors recognize that there is a need to improve one ormore features of the ligation clips. Current ligation clips often do notprovide sufficient strength to ensure that the clip remains closedduring its intended use. This is especially problematic with ligationclips formed of absorbable materials, which can be substantially weakerthan non-absorbable materials. The weaker materials may potentially leadthe implanted surgical clip to wear and/or break, causing the ligationclip to open. For example, uneven absorption and/or degradation of thematerial can cause the ligation clip to open prior to the desired tissuenecrosis of vascular tissue. It would be desirable to provide a ligationclip having an improved locking mechanism to ensure that the clipremains closed during its intended use. The disclosed ligation clips aredirected to mitigating or overcoming one or more of these problems.

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a surgical clipconfigured to ligate tissue. The surgical clip may include a first legmember and a second leg member. The first leg member may include aninner surface with a concave curvature along its length, and the secondleg member may have an inner surface with a convex curvature along itslength. The first and second leg members may be configured to movebetween an open configuration wherein the inner surfaces are spacedapart and a closed configuration wherein the inner surfaces areapproximated. The surgical clip may have a first locking memberpositioned on a distal end portion of the first leg member, and a secondlocking member positioned on a distal end portion of the second legmember, the first and second locking members being configured tointeract to secure the first and second leg members in the closedconfiguration. The surgical clip may also include a third locking memberposition between a proximal end portion and the distal end portion ofthe first leg member, and a fourth locking member positioned between aproximal end portion and the distal end portion of the second legmember, the third and fourth locking members being configured tointeract to secure the first and second leg members in the closedconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the first locking member includes a hook and thesecond locking member includes a recess, where the hook is configured todeflect around the distal end portion of the second leg member and snapinto the recess. In some embodiments, the third locking member includesan elongate member having a protrusion, and the fourth locking memberincludes a channel having an undercut, where the channel is configuredto receive the elongate member and the undercut is configured to engagethe protrusion. In some embodiments, the protrusion is spaced from theundercut in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the thirdlocking member be a single protrusion without a ratcheting mechanism. Insome embodiments, the channel extends through a first segment of thesecond leg member, the first segment having a width greater than a widthof a second segment of the second leg member. In some embodiments, thesecond segment of the second leg member is configured to engage tissue.In some embodiments, the third locking member is arcuate. In someembodiments, the third locking member includes an atraumatic end. Insome embodiments, the third locking member is positioned on a proximalhalf of the inner surface of the first leg member. In some embodiments,a hinge portion connecting the proximal end portions of the first andsecond leg members, the hinge portion being configured to pivot thefirst leg member relative to the second leg member. In some embodiments,the third locking member forms a portion of a hinge portion connectingthe proximal end portions of the first and second leg members. In someembodiments, the hinge portion includes a barrel positioned on theproximal end of the first leg member configured to rotate about a hingepin positioned on the proximal end portion of the second leg member, thebarrel including the third locking member. In some embodiments, thethird locking member includes a protrusion on the barrel, and the fourthlocking member is an undercut in the proximal end portion of the secondleg member. In some embodiments, the protrusion is spaced from theundercut in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the barrelincludes an opening between an end of the third locking member and aproximal end portion of the first leg member, and the hinge pin includesat least one flat surface, wherein the opening is substantially offsetfrom the flat surface when the surgical clip is in the closedconfiguration. In some embodiments, the at least one flat surface isdisposed at angle of about 135° from a longitudinal axis of the secondleg member. In some embodiments, the surgical clip includes a bosspositioned on the distal end portion of at least one of the first andsecond leg members. In some embodiments, the clip includes an absorbablepolymer material. In some embodiments, the at least one of the innersurfaces of the first and second leg members includes a plurality ofteeth angled toward a proximal end portion of the surgical clip. In someembodiments, both of the inner surfaces of the first and second legmembers include a plurality of teeth angled toward the proximal endportion of the clip. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth arepositioned distal of the third locking member. In some embodiments, thethird locking member includes first and second elongate membersextending from opposing side surfaces of the first leg member, and thefourth locking member includes an outer surface of the second legmember. In some embodiments, the first and second elongate membersincludes a protrusion configured to engage the outer surface of thesecond leg member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood, aspects of thisinvention are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment ofa surgical clip of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first exemplaryembodiment of the surgical clip of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 illustrates a closed configuration of the first exemplaryembodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 1 and 2 .

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closed configuration ofthe first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 1-3 .

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second exemplary embodimentof a surgical clip of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the second exemplary embodimentof the surgical clip of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 illustrates a closed configuration of the second exemplaryembodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 5 and 6 .

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the closed configuration ofthe second exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 5-7 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment ofa surgical clip of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a frontal view of the third exemplary embodiment ofthe surgical clip of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 illustrates a closed configuration of the third exemplaryembodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 9 and 10 .

The same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the followingdetailed description to refer to the same or similar parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is generally directed to a surgical clipconfigured to ligate tissue (e.g., a blood vessel). The surgical clipmay include first and second leg members configured to pivot between anopen configuration and a closed configuration. The surgical clip mayalso have first and second locking mechanisms along the length ofsurgical clip to provide strength and ensure that the clip remains inthe closed configuration. For example, the surgical clip may include afirst latching or locking mechanism on a distal end portion of thesurgical clip, and a second latching or locking mechanism between thedistal end portion and a proximal end portion. Each of the first andsecond locking mechanisms may include latching, interlocking, and/orinterfering members that collectively secure the surgical clip in theclosed configuration. For example, the first locking mechanism mayinclude a hook on the first leg member configured to deflect around atip member on the second leg member. The second locking mechanism mayinclude one or more arcuate elongate member on the first leg memberconfigured to engage the second leg member. In some embodiments, thearcuate elongate member may pass through a channel in the second legmember and produce an interference fit with an undercut of the channelwhen in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the secondlocking mechanism may include a portion of a barrel of a hinge portionof the first leg member, and the barrel may be configured to releasablyreceive a pivot pin of the second leg member. In some embodiments, thesecond locking member may include first and second arcuate elongatemembers extending from side surfaces of the first leg member andconfigured to engage an outer surface of the second leg member. Thesecond locking mechanism may include interfering members (e.g., theelongate member(s) and/or a surface of the second leg member) spacedapart from each other in the closed configuration to allow forflexibility along the length of the surgical clip and/or to accommodatefor different thicknesses of tissue, while reinforcing the first lockingmechanism. The surgical clip may be particularly useful as a hemostaticclip configured to be latched around a vessel to thereby reduce and/orstop the flow of fluid through the vessel. However, it is alsocontemplated that the embodiments of the surgical clip may havenon-surgical applications, such as to clasp hair.

The invention will now be described with reference to the figures, inwhich like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. Inaccordance with conventional practice, as used herein, and unlessotherwise indicated herein, the term “proximal end portion” refers tothe specified end portion of the surgical clip and/or related componentwhich is generally closer to the medical personnel handling ormanipulating the device as it is intended to be used, and the term“distal end portion” shall refer to the specified end portion of thesurgical clip and/or related component which is opposite the proximalend portion. As used herein, the term “longitudinal” is directed to thedimension which extends along the length of the surgical clip and/orrelated components, as would be commonly understood by one of skill inthe art. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “transverse” is directedto any axis or direction which is orthogonal to the longitudinal lengthof the surgical clip and/or related components.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a surgical clip 100of the present invention. The surgical clip 100 may have a proximal endportion 100A and a distal end portion 100B. The surgical clip 100 mayfurther include a first leg member 102 having a proximal end portion102A and a distal end portion 102B, and a second leg member 104 having aproximal end portion 104A and a distal end portion 104B. The proximalend portions 102A, 104A may be connected by a hinge portion 106.

The first and second leg members 102, 104 may include surfaces havingcurved portions. For example, the first leg member 102 may include afirst inner surface 108 and a first outer surface 110, and the secondleg member 104 may include a second inner surface 112 and a second outersurface 114. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first inner surface 108 may have aconcave configuration, and the first outer surface 110 may have a convexconfiguration, or vice versa. The second inner surface 112 may have aconvex configuration, and the second outer surface 114 may have aconcave configuration, or vice versa. The first and second innersurfaces 108, 112 may be approximated in a closed configuration, and maybe resiliently flexible along its length to distribute pressure over awidth of the tissue as the tissue is ligated. The first and second innersurfaces 108, 112 may each have a continuous curvature between proximaland distal end portions to provide a favorable compression of tissue.

The hinge portion 106 may have a concave inner surface 116 and a convexouter surface 118. The concave inner surface 116 of hinge portion 106may continuously join the first inner surface 108 of the first legmember 102 and the second inner surface 112 of the second leg member104. The convex outer surface 118 of the hinge portion 106 may join thefirst outer surface 110 of the first leg member 102 and the second outersurface 114 of the second leg member 104. The hinge portion 106 may alsoinclude a curved slot 120 located between the curved hinge surfaces 116,118, and the curved slot 120 may be positioned closer to the concaveinner surface 116 than to the convex outer surface 118. The curved slot120 may extend completely through the hinge portion 106 from side toside and its opposite ends 122, 124 may extend into the proximal endportions 102A, 104A of the first and second leg members 102, 104,respectively. The curved slot 120 may provide added flexibility andresiliency to the hinge portion 106, but the concave inner surface 116may prevent any portion of a clamped vessel from being trapped withinthe curved slot 120. In some embodiments, the hinge portion 106 may beresilient and integral to the proximal end portions 102A, 104A of thefirst and second leg members 102, 104. For example, the hinge portion106 may bias the surgical clip 100 into an open configuration (e.g.,FIG. 1 ).

The surgical clip 100 may also include one or more latching or lockingmechanisms. For example, the first leg member 102 may transition to ahook section 126 at its distal end portion 102B, and the second legmember 104 may transition to a pointed tip portion 128 at its distal end104B. A distal end portion of the hook section 126 may curve inwardlyand point generally toward the concave inner surface 116 of the hingeportion 106. The hook section 126 may have one or more transversebeveled surfaces 130 and a concave inner surface which merges with thefirst inner surface 108 to define a recess 132. The tip portion 128 maybe V-shaped defining a slot configured to receive the beveled surfaces130, as the hook section 126 deflects around the tip portion 128. Thehook section 126 and the tip portion 128 may engage to form a firstlatching or locking mechanism. For example, the recess 132 may engagewith the tip portion 128 in the course of compressing the surgical clip100 into the closed configuration (e.g., FIGS. 3-4 ) that may be securedposition around a vessel or other tissue.

The surgical clip 100 may also include a second latching or lockingmechanism. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 1-4 , an elongate member156 may extend from the first inner surface 108 of the first leg member102, between the proximal end portion 102A and the distal end portion102B. The elongate member 156 may be positioned anywhere on the lengthof the first leg member 102. In some embodiments, the elongate member156 may be positioned closer to the proximal end portion 102A than thedistal end portion 102B (e.g., on the proximal half of the first legmember 102) in order to secure the proximal end portion 100A of thesurgical clip 100. In some embodiments, the elongate member 156 may bepositioned closer to the proximal end portion 102A than a centerline ofthe first leg member 102 (e.g., on the proximal quarter of the first legmember 102) in order to distribute the latching force along the lengthof the surgical clip 100. The elongate member 156 may extend in anarcuate configuration from the first leg member 102 approximating thearcuate path of the second leg member 104 relative to the first legmember 102. When the surgical clip 100 is in the closed configuration(e.g., FIGS. 3-4 ), the elongate member 156 may be received in anaperture or channel 158 through at least a portion of the thickness ofthe second leg member 104. As depicted in FIG. 1 , the channel 158 mayhave a width substantially equal to or greater than a width of theremaining portion of the second leg member 104, such that the width ofthe portion of second leg member 104 through which the channel 158extends may be greater than the width of the remaining portion of thesecond leg member 104 configured to engage tissue. Although FIGS. 1-4illustrate the elongate member 156 on the first leg member 102 and thechannel 158 on the second leg member 104, the surgical clip 100 may,additionally or alternatively, include an elongated member 156 on thesecond leg member 104 and a channel 158 on the first leg member 102. Itis further contemplated that the surgical clip 100 may include aplurality of elongated members 156 on the first leg member 102 and/orsecond leg member 104 and a plurality of corresponding channels 158 onthe opposite leg member 102, 104.

As further depicted in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2 and 4 , theelongate member 156 may include a tooth or protrusion 160 configured toengage an undercut 162 of the channel 158 to provide the second latchingor locking mechanism. The protrusion 160 may be spaced from the undercut162 when the surgical clip 100 is in the closed configuration and in theabsence of tissue (e.g., FIGS. 3-4 ). For example, the first lockingmechanism may be engaged in the closed configuration, while the secondlocking mechanism may not be engaged. The spacing between the protrusion160 and undercut 162 in the closed configuration may allow flexibilityof the surgical clip 100 along its length to accommodate differentthicknesses of tissue and to distribute pressure over a width of thetissue as it is ligated. The second locking mechanism may also reinforcethe first locking mechanism. For example, the second locking mechanismmay prevent the surgical clip 100 from opening when the surgical clip100 (e.g., the first locking mechanism) wears and/or breaks, such aswhen uneven absorption and/or degradation of the surgical clip 100causes the first locking mechanism to disengage. In that sense, theelongate member 156 may include only a single protrusion 160, withoutany type of ratcheting or tightening mechanism.

It is contemplated that the channel 158 may extend through the entirethickness of the second leg member 104. The elongate member 156 may havea length greater than a length of the channel 158, in order to providean exposed distal end portion 159 of the elongate member 156. Theexposed distal end portion 159 of the elongate member 156 may be engagedand deflected proximally to release the second locking mechanism. Theelongate member 156 may also be atraumatic with an atraumatic end andprovide a stop to prevent the tissue from being pinched by the hingeportion 106.

As further shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3 , the surgical clip100 may include a first plurality of teeth 134 protruding on the firstinner surface 108, and a second plurality of teeth 136 protruding on thesecond inner surface 112. The teeth 134, 136 may maximize security ofcompressed tissue and minimize migration. The teeth 134, 136 may beangled toward the proximal end portion 102A of the surgical clip 100 inorder to secure the tissue toward the hinge portion 106. As depicted inFIG. 1 , the first and second plurality of teeth 134, 136 may includetwo or more staggered rows of teeth collectively extending the width ofthe inner surfaces 108, 112. As further depicted in FIGS. 3-4 , thefirst plurality of teeth 134 may not engage the second plurality ofteeth 136 in the closed configuration to increase the discrete contactpoints along the length of the surgical clip 100 and enhance security.In some embodiments, one or more of the teeth 134, 136 may be omitted.

The leg members 102, 104 may include one or more bosses along theirlength to engage a clip applier. For example, the first leg member 102may include cylindrical bosses 146, 148 (e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 1and 3 ) protruding perpendicular to each of the opposed side surfaces138, 140 adjacent to distal end portion 102B of first leg member 102 andimmediately inward of hook section 126. In the illustrated example ofthe surgical clip 100, the bosses 146, 148 may be cylindrical andproject outwardly beyond the first outer surface 110 of first leg member102. The bosses 146, 148 may also be coupled together by a bridgesection 150. The second leg member 104 may also include bosses 152, 154at the distal end portion 104B. The bosses 152, 154 may be cylindricaland protrude perpendicular to each of opposed side surfaces 142, 144 ofsecond leg member 104, extending longitudinally forward beyond the pointof tip portion 128. In the practice of ligating tissue, the surgicalclip 100 may be designed to be compressed into a latched or lockedconfiguration around the vessel through the use of an appropriate clipapplier, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,416, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a surgical clip200 of the present invention. The surgical clip 200 may have a proximalend portion 200A and a distal end portion 200B. The surgical clip 200may further include a first leg member 202 having a proximal end portion202A and a distal end portion 202B, and a second leg member 204 having aproximal end portion 204A and a distal end portion 204B. The proximalend portions 202A, 204A of the first and second leg members 202, 204 maybe releasably connected at a hinge portion 206. The surgical clip 200may have elements and/or aspects similar to the surgical clip 100, andmay be similarly represented in FIGS. 5-8 . For the sake of brevity, theelements and/or aspects similar to those of the surgical clip 100 maynot be discussed with reference to the surgical clip 200.

The first and second leg members 202, 204 may include surfaces havingcurved portions. For example, the first leg member 202 may include afirst inner surface 208 and a first outer surface 210, and the secondleg member 204 may include a second inner surface 212 and a second outersurface 214. The first inner surface 208 may have a concaveconfiguration, and the first outer surface 210 may have a convexconfiguration, or vice versa. The second inner surface 212 may have aconvex configuration, and the second outer surface 214 may have aconcave configuration, or vice versa. The first and second innersurfaces 208, 212 may be approximated in a closed configuration, and maybe resiliently flexible along its length to distribute pressure over awidth of the tissue as the tissue is ligated. The first and second innersurfaces 208, 212 may each have a continuous curvature between proximaland distal end portions to provide a favorable compression of tissue.

The surgical clip 200 may also include one or more latching or lockingmechanisms. For example, the first leg member 202 may transition to ahook section 226 at its distal end portion 202B, and the second legmember 204 may transition to a pointed tip portion 228 at its distal end204B. A distal end portion of the hook section 226 may curve inwardlyand point generally toward the concave inner surface 216 of the hingeportion 206. The hook section 226 may have one or more transversebeveled surfaces 230 and a concave inner surface which merges with thefirst inner surface 208 to define a recess 232. The tip portion 228 maybe V-shaped defining a slot configured to receive the beveled surfaces230, as the hook section 226 deflects around the tip portion 228. Thehook section 226 and the tip portion 228 may engage to form a firstlatching or locking mechanism. For example, the recess 232 may engagewith the tip portion 228 in the course of compressing the surgical clip200 into the closed configuration (e.g., FIGS. 7-8 ) that may be securedposition around a vessel or other tissue.

The first and second leg members 202, 204 of the surgical clip 200 maybe separable. For example, the proximal end portions 202A, 204A of thefirst and second leg members 202, 204 may be separable at the hingeportion 206. As depicted in FIGS. 5-8 , the proximal end portion 202A ofthe first leg member 202 may include a barrel 264 formed from a proximalelongate member 266 and a distal elongate member 268. The proximalelongate member 266 may form at least a portion of the proximal endportion 202A of the first leg member 202. One or more of the elongatemembers 266, 268 of the barrel 264 may be arcuate in opposite directionand spaced to form a slot 270 with an opening 272. In some embodiments,the slot 270 may have a recessed concave portion with a substantiallycircular cross-section. As further depicted in FIGS. 5-8 , the slot 270and the opening 272 may extend the entire width of the first leg member202, and may be sized to receive a hinge pin 274 on the proximal endportion 204A of the second leg member 204. The hinge pin 274 may includeside surfaces 276 on opposite sides of the hinge pin 274. The sidesurfaces 276 may be substantially flat and allow the surgical clip 200to be selectively assembled or disassembled when the hinge pin 274 ispassed through the opening 272 at a predetermined angle. In other words,the hinge pin 274 may not fit into the opening 272 at any angle otherthan the predetermined angle. In the example as depicted in FIG. 5 , theside surfaces 276 may be disposed at an angle between about 90° and 135°relative to a longitudinal axis of the second leg member 204, such thatassembly or disassembly of the surgical clip 200 may be performed whenthe opening 272 of the second leg member 204 is disposed at the anglerelative to the hinge pin 274 of the second leg member 204.Advantageously, the selective assembly/disassembly of the surgical clip200 may prevent disassembly during the ordinary course of use of thesurgical clip 200. For example, the side surfaces 276 may besubstantially offset of the opening 272 (e.g., by at least about 90°)when the surgical clip 200 in the closed configuration to prevent thesurgical clip 200 from disassembling. It is also contemplated that thesurgical clip 200 may be assembled in situ, for example, immediatelyprior to compression of the surgical clip 200 onto tissue.

As further depicted in FIGS. 5-8 , the surgical clip 200 may beassembled by the barrel 264 of the first leg member 202 being receivedin a channel 278 of the second leg member 204. The channel 278 may bedefined by the hinge pin 274, a proximal surface 280 of the second legmember 204, and first and second leg extension members 282 extendingbetween main body of the second leg member 204 and the hinge pin 274.The channel 278 may allow passage of the distal elongate member 268 totransition the surgical clip 200 from the open configuration (e.g., FIG.5 ) to the closed configuration (e.g., FIGS. 7-8 ).

The interaction of the distal elongate member 268 and the channel 278may provide a second latching or locking mechanism to secure thesurgical clip 200 in the closed configuration. For example, the distalelongate member 268 may include a tooth or protrusion 284 that engagesan undercut 286 on the proximal surface 280 of the second leg member204. One or more of the protrusion 284 and the undercut 286 may deflectas the protrusion 284 passes through the channel 278, and the protrusion284 and the undercut 286 may then provide a latching, interlocking,and/or interference fit to prevent the surgical clip 200 from pivotingto the open configuration (e.g., FIGS. 5-6 ) from the closedconfiguration (e.g., FIGS. 7-8 ). The protrusion 284 may be spaced fromthe undercut 286 when the surgical clip 200 is in the closedconfiguration and in the absence of tissue. For example, the firstlocking mechanism may be engaged in the closed configuration, while thesecond locking mechanism may not be engaged. The spacing between theprotrusion 284 and undercut 286 in the closed configuration may allowflexibility of the surgical clip 200 along its length to accommodatedifferent thicknesses of tissue and to distribute pressure over a widthof the tissue as it is ligated. The second locking mechanism may alsoreinforce the first locking mechanism. For example, the second lockingmechanism may prevent the surgical clip 200 from opening when thesurgical clip 200 (e.g., the first locking mechanism) wears and/orbreaks, such as when uneven absorption and/or degradation of thesurgical clip 200 causes the first locking mechanism to disengage. Inthat sense, the elongated member 268 may include only a singleprotrusion 284, without any type of ratcheting or tightening mechanism.

The surgical clip 200 may include a first plurality of teeth 234protruding on the first inner surface 208, and a second plurality ofteeth 236 protruding on the second inner surface 212. The teeth 234, 236may maximize security of compressed tissue and minimize migration. Theteeth 234, 236 may be angled toward the proximal end portion 202A of thesurgical clip 200 in order to secure the tissue toward the hinge portion206. The first and second plurality of teeth 234, 236 may include two ormore staggered rows of teeth collectively extending the width of theinner surfaces 208, 212. The first plurality of teeth 234 may not engagethe second plurality of teeth 236 in the closed configuration toincrease the discrete contact points along the length of the surgicalclip 200 and enhance security. In some embodiments, one or more of theteeth 234, 236 may be omitted.

The leg members 202, 204 may include one or more bosses along theirlength to engage a clip applier. For example, the first leg member 202may include cylindrical bosses 246, 248 protruding perpendicular to eachof the opposed side surfaces 238, 240 adjacent to distal end portion202B of first leg member 202 and immediately inward of hook section 226.In the illustrated example of the surgical clip 200, the bosses 246, 248may be cylindrical and project outwardly beyond the first outer surface210 of first leg member 202. The bosses 246, 248 may also be coupledtogether by a bridge section 250. The second leg member 104 may alsoinclude bosses 252, 254 at the distal end portion 204B. The bosses 252,254 may be cylindrical and protrude perpendicular to each of opposedside surfaces 242, 244 of second leg member 204, extendinglongitudinally forward beyond the point of tip portion 228. In thepractice of ligating tissue, the surgical clip 200 may be designed to becompressed into a latched or locked configuration around the vesselthrough the use of an appropriate clip applier, such as described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,100,416, the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a surgical clip300 of the present invention. The surgical clip 300 may have a proximalend portion 300A and a distal end portion 300B. The surgical clip 300may further include a first leg member 302 having a proximal end portion302A and a distal end portion 302B, and a second leg member 304 having aproximal end portion 304A and a distal end portion 304B. The proximalend portions 302A, 304A of the first and second leg members 302, 304 maybe connected by a hinge portion 306. The surgical clip 300 may haveelements similar to at least one of the surgical clips 100, 200, and maybe similarly represented in FIGS. 9-11 . For the sake of brevity, theelements and/or aspects of the elements similar to those of the surgicalclip 100, 200 may not be discussed with reference to the surgical clip300.

The first and second leg members 302, 304 may include surfaces havingcurved portions. For example, the first leg member 302 may include afirst inner surface 208 and a first outer surface 310, and the secondleg member 304 may include a second inner surface 312 and a second outersurface 314. The first inner surface 308 may have a concaveconfiguration, and the first outer surface 310 may have a convexconfiguration, or vice versa. The second inner surface 312 may have aconvex configuration, and the second outer surface 314 may have aconcave configuration, or vice versa. The first and second innersurfaces 308, 312 may be approximated in a closed configuration, and maybe resiliently flexible along its length to distribute pressure over awidth of the tissue as the tissue is ligated. The first and second innersurfaces 308, 312 may each have a continuous curvature between proximaland distal end portions to provide a favorable compression of tissue.

The hinge portion 306 may have a concave inner surface 316 and a convexouter surface 318. The concave inner surface 316 of hinge portion 306may continuously join the first inner surface 308 of the first legmember 302 and the second inner surface 312 of the second leg member304. The convex outer surface 318 of the hinge portion 306 may join thefirst outer surface 310 of the first leg member 302 and the second outersurface 314 of the second leg member 304. The hinge portion 306 may alsoinclude a curved slot 320 located between the curved hinge surfaces 316,318, and the curved slot 320 may be positioned closer to the concaveinner surface 316 than to the convex outer surface 318. The curved slot320 may extend completely through the hinge portion 306 from side toside and its opposite ends 322, 324 may extend into the proximal endportions 302A, 304A of the first and second leg members 302, 304,respectively. The curved slot 320 may provide added flexibility andresiliency to the hinge portion 306, but the concave inner surface 316may prevent any portion of a clamped vessel from being trapped withinthe curved slot 320. In some embodiments, the hinge portion 306 may beresilient and integral to the proximal end portions 302A, 304A of thefirst and second leg members 302, 304. For example, the hinge portion306 may bias the surgical clip 300 into an open configuration.

The surgical clip 300 may include one or more latching or lockingmechanisms. For example, the first leg member 302 may transition to ahook section 326 at its distal end portion 302B, and the second legmember 304 may transition to a pointed tip portion 328 at its distal end304B. A distal end portion of the hook section 326 may curve inwardlyand point generally toward the concave inner surface 316 of the hingeportion 306. The hook section 326 may have one or more transversebeveled surfaces 330 and a concave inner surface which merges with thefirst inner surface 308 to define a recess 332. The tip portion 328 maybe V-shaped defining a slot configured to receive the beveled surfaces330, as the hook section 326 deflects around the tip portion 328. Thehook section 326 and the tip portion 328 may engage to form a firstlatching or locking mechanism. For example, the recess 332 may engagewith the tip portion 328 in the course of compressing the surgical clip300 into the closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 11 ) that may be securedposition around a vessel or other tissue.

The surgical clip 300 may also include a second latching or lockingmechanism. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 8-11 , one or more elongatemembers 390 may extend from the first leg member 302, from a lengthbetween the proximal end portion 302A and the distal end portion 302B.For example, the one or more elongated members 390 may include first andsecond elongated members 390 extending from opposing sides 338, 340 ofthe first leg member 302, in an external or “out-board” configuration,and configured to receive the second leg member 304 therebetween. Theelongate member(s) 390 may be positioned anywhere on the length of thefirst leg member 302. In some embodiments, the elongate member(s) 390may be positioned closer to the proximal end portion 302A than thedistal end portion 302B (e.g., on the proximal half of the first legmember 302) in order to secure the proximal end portion 300A of thesurgical clip 300. In some embodiments, the elongate member(s) 390 maybe positioned closer to the proximal end portion 302A than a centerlineof the first leg member 302 (e.g., on the proximal quarter of the firstleg member 302) in order to distribute the latching force along thelength of the surgical clip 300. The elongate member(s) 390 may extendin an arcuate configuration from the first leg member 302 approximatingthe arcuate path of the second leg member 304 relative to the first legmember 302. Although FIGS. 8-11 illustrate the elongate member(s) 390 onthe first leg member 302, the surgical clip 300 may, additionally oralternatively, include one or more elongated members 390 on the secondleg member 304.

As further depicted in FIGS. 8-11 , the elongate member(s) 390 mayinclude a tooth or protrusion 392 configured to engage an outer surface314 of the second leg member 304 to provide the second latching orlocking mechanism. The protrusion 392 may be spaced from the outersurface 314 when the surgical clip 300 is in the closed configurationand in the absence of tissue (e.g., FIG. 11 ). For example, the firstlocking mechanism may be engaged in the closed configuration, while thesecond locking mechanism may not be engaged. The spacing between theprotrusion 392 and outer surface 314 in the closed configuration mayallow flexibility of the surgical clip 300 along its length toaccommodate different thicknesses of tissue and to distribute pressureover a width of the tissue as it is ligated. The second lockingmechanism may also reinforce the first locking mechanism. For example,the second locking mechanism may prevent the surgical clip 300 fromopening when the surgical clip 300 (e.g., the first locking mechanism)wears and/or breaks, such as when uneven absorption and/or degradationof the surgical clip 300 causes the first locking mechanism todisengage. In that sense, each of the elongate member(s) 390 may includeonly a single protrusion 392, without any type of ratcheting ortightening mechanism.

The surgical clip 300 may include a first plurality of teeth 334protruding on the first inner surface 308, and a second plurality ofteeth 336 protruding on the second inner surface 312. The teeth 334, 336may maximize security of compressed tissue and minimize migration. Theteeth 334, 336 may be angled toward the proximal end portion 302A of thesurgical clip 300 in order to secure the tissue toward the hinge portion306. The first and second plurality of teeth 334, 336 may include two ormore staggered rows of teeth collectively extending the width of theinner surfaces 308, 312. The first plurality of teeth 334 may not engagethe second plurality of teeth 336 in the closed configuration toincrease the discrete contact points along the length of the surgicalclip 300 and enhance security. In some embodiments, one or more of theteeth 334, 336 may be omitted.

The leg members 302, 304 may include one or more bosses along theirlength to engage a clip applier. For example, the first leg member 302may include cylindrical bosses 346, 348 protruding perpendicular to eachof the opposed side surfaces 338, 340 adjacent to distal end portion302B of first leg member 302 and immediately inward of hook section 326.In the illustrated example of the surgical clip 300, the bosses 346, 348may be cylindrical and project outwardly beyond the first outer surface310 of first leg member 302. The bosses 346, 348 may also be coupledtogether by a bridge section 350. The second leg member 304 may alsoinclude bosses 352, 354 at the distal end portion 304B. The bosses 352,354 may be cylindrical and protrude perpendicular to each of opposedside surfaces 342, 344 of second leg member 304, extendinglongitudinally forward beyond the point of tip portion 328. In thepractice of ligating tissue, the surgical clip 300 may be designed to becompressed into a latched or locked configuration around the vesselthrough the use of an appropriate clip applier, such as described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,100,416, the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

The surgical clips 100, 200, 300 may be made of any suitable size andmay be applied to any number of tissues, such as blood vessels, lymphnodes, nerves, fallopian tubes, or cardiac tissue. The surgical clip100, 200, 300 may be constructed from any suitable biocompatiblematerial, such as certain metals and polymers. The surgical clip 100,200, 300 may include absorbable and/or non-absorbable polymericmaterials. Exemplary polymeric materials include homopolymers orco-polymers of one or more of polyacetal, polyethylene terephthalate(PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene (POM),polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid(PGA), and other thermoplastic materials having similar properties thatcan be injection-molded, extruded or otherwise processed into likearticles. However, the surgical clips 100, 200, 300 of the presentinvention are especially suitable for absorbable material that areweaker and degrade, sometimes at an uneven rate. The surgical clip 100,300 may be a one-piece integral polymeric body to facilitatemanufacturing. It is also contemplated that each of the leg members 202,204 of the surgical clip 200 may be a one-piece integral polymeric bodyto facilitate manufacturing.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical clip comprising: a first leg memberand a second leg member, the first leg member having an inner surfacewith a curvature, and the second leg member having an inner surface witha curvature, wherein the first and second leg members are configured tomove between an open configuration wherein the inner surfaces are spacedapart and a closed configuration wherein the inner surfaces areapproximated; a first locking member positioned on a distal end portionof the first leg member, and a second locking member positioned on adistal end portion of the second leg member, the first and secondlocking members being configured to interact to secure the first andsecond leg members in the closed configuration; a first elongated memberextending from a first side surface of the first leg member in anexternal configuration and positioned between a proximal end portion andthe distal end portion of the first leg member; and a second elongatedmember extending from a second side surface of the first leg member inan external configuration and positioned between the proximal endportion and the distal end portion of the first leg member; wherein thefirst and second elongated members are configured to receive the secondleg member therebetween when the first and second leg members are in theclosed configuration.
 2. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the firstlocking member comprises a hook portion and the second locking membercomprises a tip portion, wherein the hook portion is configured todeflect around the tip portion of the second leg member.
 3. The surgicalclip of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second elongated membershas a protrusion that is spaced from an outer surface of the second legmember in the closed configuration.
 4. The surgical clip of claim 1,wherein the first and second elongated members are arcuate.
 5. Thesurgical clip of claim 1, wherein the first and second elongated membersare positioned on a proximal half of the first leg member.
 6. Thesurgical clip of claim 1, further comprising a hinge portion connectingthe proximal end portions of the first and second leg members, the hingeportion being configured to pivot the first leg member relative to thesecond leg member.
 7. The surgical clip of claim 1, further comprisingat least one boss positioned on the distal end portion of at least oneof the first and second leg members.
 8. The surgical clip of claim 1,wherein at least one of the inner surfaces of the first and second legmembers comprises a plurality of teeth.
 9. The surgical clip of claim 1,wherein the inner surface of the first leg member has a concavecurvature, and the inner surface of the second leg member has a convexcurvature.
 10. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the curvature ofthe first leg member extends from the respective proximal end portion tothe respective distal end portion, and the curvature of the second legmember extends from the respective proximal end portion to therespective distal end portion.
 11. The surgical clip of claim 1, whereinthe surgical clip comprises an absorbable polymer material.